Caleb Downs asked if he will claim Alabama football in NFL

May 1, 2026; Frisco, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Caleb Downs (18) goes through a drill during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images

Caleb Downs continues to get asked about his departure from Alabama football after Nick Saban retired.

Downs signed with the Crimson Tide as a five-star recruit before having a breakout freshman year with Alabama in 2023. He won the Shaun Alexander Award after his first season in Tuscaloosa. The award is given annually to the best freshman in college football.

The former five-star transferred to Ohio State after his first season in Tuscaloosa, following Saban’s retirement. He was asked about his decision by Amon-Ra St. Brown on the “St. Brown Podcast.”

“It was really like when he retired, it was like, I don’t necessarily know why I came here because at the end of the day I wanted to go there to learn from him,” said Downs. “It pretty much just turned back into high school recruiting, and then Ohio State was my second school.”

St. Brown went on to ask Downs which school he claims.

“I’m a Buckeye,” Downs said. “I claim Coach Saban as my coach, but I’m a Buckeye.”

Downs will play his rookie season in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys this fall.